Stowable sink for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A sink assembly for use on a vehicle that in one embodiment includes a mounting frame with an opening for mounting the sink assembly to the vehicle. The sink assembly also includes a door that is movable relative to the mounting frame and a sink top connected to the door. The sink top has a sink bowl with a drain, and is movable between a stowed position when not in use or when the vehicle is traveling to an operational position for use of the sink assembly. The sink assembly also includes at least one attachable plumbing apparatus that is connectable to a fluid source. The sink assembly may further include a storage container for storing the plumbing apparatus when not in use or when the sink top is in the stowed position. The plumbing apparatus may include at least one of a faucet or a hose assembly.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/661,203 filed Sep. 12, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,642 the completedisclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to accessories for recreationalvehicles, and in particular, to a stowable sink and attachments for useon the outside of a recreational vehicle.

Various types of vehicles are used and sold for recreational purposesand commercial purposes. When referred to herein, recreational vehiclesor commercial vehicles shall refer to motor homes, travel trailers,campers and the like, as well as water craft, such as pleasure boats andpontoons. For example, a typical recreational vehicle is shown in U.S.Pat. No. 5,800,002, which is a motor driven style motor home having aninterior living area defined by outer walls, including side walls alongboth sides. Recreational vehicles (RV's) and marine craft carry a supplyof fresh water for the convenience of the vehicle occupants while usingthe vehicle. In addition to internal uses, the user may also requirefresh water outside the vehicle for such activities as washing orrinsing the vehicle exterior or washing or rinsing bicycles, scooters ortrailered off-road vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV's) ormotorcycles and the like. Depending on the activity being engaged in,the user himself or herself may want to wash his or her hands or rinseoff gear, apparel, tools or equipment before re-entering the vehicle. Inaddition, trailered boats and watercraft benefit from a fresh waterrinse after use.

Typically the user must locate a source of fresh water which oftenrequires that the user drive or trailer the equipment or accessory to alocation providing fresh water. In addition to being inconvenient, thisallows dirt, foreign matter, or contaminants to dry or otherwise set onthe items leaving undesirable deposits that become harder to remove at alater time. This can be particularly troublesome when exposure to saltwater or corrosive materials is involved or where immediate fresh waterflushing of the accessory after use is recommended.

Accordingly, a need exists for an apparatus that allows the userconvenient access to a sink and the on board or other fresh water supplywhile outside the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a sink assembly for use on a vehicle. Inone embodiment, the sink assembly includes a mounting frame for mountingthe sink assembly to the vehicle, wherein the mounting frame has anopening. The sink assembly also includes a door that is movable relativeto the mounting frame and a sink top connected to the door. The sink tophas a sink bowl with a drain, and the sink top is movable between astowed position when not in use or when the vehicle is traveling to anoperational position for use of the sink assembly. The sink assemblyalso includes at least one attachable plumbing apparatus that isconnectable to a fluid source.

The sink assembly may further include a storage container for storingthe plumbing apparatus when not in use or when the sink top is in thestowed position. The plumbing apparatus may include at least one of afaucet or a hose assembly. The sink assembly may also include a fluidinlet line that has a fitting attached and is connectable to theplumbing apparatus. At least a portion of the fluid inlet line may belocated within the storage container, and the fluid inlet line mayextend through an aperture in a bottom surface of the storage containertoward the sink top.

The sink assembly in one embodiment further includes a valve coupled tothe fitting of the fluid inlet line. The valve may be operable between afirst state enabling fluid flow and a second state inhibiting fluidflow. In one embodiment, the valve is a quick connect coupling andstopper valve. The plumbing apparatus may have a fitting connectable tothe quick connect coupling.

The door may be attached to the mounting frame with a hinged connection.The hinged connection may be at a lower end of the frame. An embodimentof the invention is also provided wherein at least a portion of the sinktop moves through the opening in the mounting frame as the sink topmoves between the stowed position and the operational position.

In another embodiment of the invention, a sink assembly for use on avehicle is provided that includes a mounting frame for mounting the sinkassembly to the vehicle. A sink top is mounted to be movable relative tothe frame between a stowed position for when the sink assembly is not inuse or when the vehicle is traveling and an operational position for useof the sink assembly. The sink top includes a sink bowl. The sinkassembly includes at least one plumbing apparatus that is connectable toa fluid source for dispensing the fluid and a storage container forstoring the plumbing apparatus when the sink top is in the stowedposition.

The sink assembly may include two plumbing apparatuses that consist of afaucet and a hose assembly. The sink assembly may also include a fluidinlet line that has a fitting, which is connectable to the plumbingapparatuses. A valve may be included that is coupled to the fitting onthe fluid inlet line that is operable between a first state enablingfluid flow and a second state inhibiting fluid flow. The valve may be aquick connect coupling and stopper valve. At least a portion of thefluid inlet line may be located in the storage container.

The sink assembly may further include a door, and the sink top may beattached to the door. In one embodiment, the door may be attached to themounting frame with a hinged connection that provides movement of thesink top from the stowed position to the operational position. The sinktop may also have an opening, and the storage container may be mountedto the sink top beneath the opening.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a vehicle is provided thatincludes vehicle sidewalls, wherein at least one of the sidewalls has anaperture therethrough. The vehicle may include a water supply system anda mounting frame mounted about the aperture in the side wall. A door forcovering the aperture may also be provided that is movable relative tothe mounting frame. The vehicle may also include a sink top that isconnected to the door that is movable through the aperture between astowed position when not in use or when the vehicle is traveling and anoperational position for use of the sink top. A plumbing apparatus mayalso be included that is connected to the water supply system fordispensing the water.

In one embodiment, the door lies substantially parallel with thesidewall that has the aperture when said sink top is in the stowedposition, and the door is at an angle to the sidewall having theaperture when the sink top is in the operational position.

The sink top may also be located substantially on the exterior of thevehicle in the operational position and perpendicular to the sidewallhaving the aperture, and the sink top may be located within the vehiclein the stowed position at an inclined orientation.

The vehicle may further include a storage container for storing theplumbing apparatus when the sink top is in the stowed position. The sinktop may include an opening, and the storage container may be mountedbeneath the opening. A fluid inlet line may be included, and at least aportion of the fluid inlet line may be located in the storage container.

In yet another embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a watersupply system and sidewalls, and at least one of the sidewalls has anaperture therethrough. The vehicle may include a mounting frame aboutthe aperture and a sink top that is movable relative to the framebetween a stowed position wherein the sink top is located within thevehicle when not in use or for travel and an operational positionwherein the sink top is located substantially on the exterior of thevehicle. At least one plumbing apparatus may be provided that isconnectable to the water supply system for dispensing the water. Thevehicle may also include a storage container for storing the plumbingapparatus when the sink top is in the stowed position.

The sink top may have an opening therethrough, and the storage containermay be mounted to the sink top beneath the opening. A fluid inlet linemay also be included that is at least partially located within thestorage container.

The vehicle may also include a door, wherein the door covers theaperture when the sink top is in the stowed position. The door may bemovable relative to the sidewall having the aperture, and the sink topmay be connected to the door.

In another embodiment of the invention, a sink assembly is provided foruse on a vehicle and includes a mounting frame for mounting the sinkassembly to the vehicle, the mounting frame being pivotally attached tothe vehicle; a door movable relative to the mounting frame and coveringan opening in the vehicle; a sink top having a sink bowl with a drain,the sink top moveable through the opening between a stowed position inthe vehicle when not in use or when the vehicle is traveling to anoperational position for use of the sink assembly; and at least oneattachable plumbing apparatus connectable to a fluid source through afitting mounted to the vehicle above the opening.

The sink may further include a storage container for storing theplumbing apparatus when not in use or when the sink top is in the stowedposition. The plumbing apparatus may be at least one of a faucet or ahose assembly.

The sink assembly of claim 3, further including a valve coupled to saidfitting of said fluid inlet line, said valve operable between a firststate enabling fluid flow and a second state inhibiting fluid flow. Thevalve may be a quick connect coupling and stopper valve, and theplumbing apparatus may have a fitting connectable to the quick connectcoupling.

The door may be attached at the opening with a hinged connection, andthe hinged connection may be on a side of said door.

The sink top may hang in a generally vertical orientation when the sinkis in the stowed position, and a front portion of the sink top may hangbelow a back portion when in the stowed position. The front portion mayswing up when the sink top is moved to the operational position.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a sink assembly for useon a vehicle that includes a mounting frame for mounting the sinkassembly to the vehicle, the mounting frame being pivotally attached tothe vehicle; a door moveable relative to the mounting frame and coveringan opening in the vehicle; a sink top having a sink bowl with a drain,the sink top being movable through the opening between a stowed positionin the vehicle when not in use or when the vehicle is traveling to anoperational position for use of the sink assembly, and the sink tophaving a front portion and a rear portion, the front portion hangingbelow the rear portion in the stowed position, and the front portionswinging up to the operational position.

The sink assembly may further include a brace that supports the frontportion of the sink top when in the operational position.

The sink assembly may further include a storage container for storing aplumbing apparatus when not in use. The storage container may be locatedbeneath the sink top.

The mounting frame of the sink assembly may include members lying in aplane that is substantially the same as a plane defined by the sink top,and other members lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the planedefined by said sink top.

The sink may further including a fitting mounted to the vehicle abovethe opening for attachment of a plumbing apparatus.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a sink assembly for useon a vehicle that includes: a mounting frame, which is moveably mountedadjacent an opening in a side wall of the vehicle; a sink top moveablebetween a stowed position wherein the sink top is located within thevehicle when not in use or for travel to an operational position whereinthe sink top is located substantially on the exterior of the vehicle; atleast one plumbing apparatus connectable to the water supply system fordispensing water; and a storage container for storing the plumbingapparatus when not being used.

At least a portion of the sink top may move through the opening in thesidewall of the vehicle as the sink top moves between the stowedposition and the operational position.

The sink top may be at a generally vertical orientation when in thestowed position and in a generally horizontal orientation in theoperational position. The sink top has a front portion and a rearportion, and the front portion may be lower than the rear portion whenthe sink assembly is in the stowed position, and the front portionswings up to the operational position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention andthe manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the inventionitself will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recreational vehicle having a swingout sink with the sink shown in a stowed position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the recreational vehicle of FIG. 1 withthe sink shown in an operational position;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the sink in the operationalposition without any attachments and removed from the recreationalvehicle for clarity;

FIG. 4 is a view of the sink as shown in FIG. 3 with a faucet attachedand a hose assembly in a storage container;

FIG. 5 is a view of the sink as shown in FIG. 3 with the hose assemblyattached;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the swing out sink of FIG. 3 shown in thestowed position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the swing out sink of FIG. 3 shown in theoperational position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the faucet attachment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the hose assembly attachment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken as shown in FIG. 3 through thestorage container;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment swing out sink withthe sink shown in a stowed position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment swing out sinkshown in an operational position;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the alternate embodiment swingout sink;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the alternate embodiment swingout sink shown in the stowed position, but with the door open; and

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the alternate embodiment swing outsink in the stowed position with the storage container removed.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. Although the drawings representembodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarilyto scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to betterillustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification setout herein illustrates embodiments of the invention, in one form, andsuch exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope ofthe invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings, which are described below. It will nevertheless beunderstood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended. The invention includes any alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated devices and described methods andfurther applications of the principles of the invention which wouldnormally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

With reference first to FIGS. 1 and 2, the invention relates to astowable sink assembly generally indicated as 10 that is designed foruse on the exterior of a recreational vehicle generally indicated as 12.Recreational vehicle 12 includes a side wall 14 having an aperture 16(FIG. 2), where sink assembly 10 is mounted.

Referring now to FIGS. 3–10, sink assembly 10 includes a mounting framegenerally indicated as 20, a door 22, a sink top generally indicated as24, a storage container generally indicated as 26, a faucet/plumbingapparatus generally indicated as 28, and a hose assembly/plumbingapparatus generally indicated as 29.

In the embodiment shown, mounting frame 20 has a generally rectangularconfiguration having a central opening 30 (FIGS. 3–5). Frame 20 includesan outwardly extending mounting flange 32, a central portion 34 and aninwardly extending sealing flange 36 (FIG. 10). Mounting flange 32includes apertures 38 for mounting sink assembly 10 to recreationalvehicle 12.

Door 22 includes an outer surface 40, an inner surface 42, an upper end43, and a lower end 44. Door 22 also includes a locking latch 46 locatedat upper end 43 for locking the door in a stowed position as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6. Door 22 also includes a hinged connection 48 at lower end44 to attach the door to and allow pivotal movement relative to mountingframe 20.

Sink top 24 includes a working surface 50, a sink bowl 51 extending downfrom the working surface, a back stop 52 extending substantiallyperpendicular upward from working surface 50, a frontal extension 53extending downwardly and rearwardly from the front of working surface50, and an opening 54 (FIGS. 3 and 10). Sink bowl 51 contains a drainopening 55 at the bottom thereof and a fluid outlet line 56, which isconnected to a drain or gray tank (not shown) for discarding used fluid.Sink top 24 also includes a circumferential flange 57 extendingdownwardly from working surface 50 about opening 54.

A fluid control valve assembly 60 is also attached to sink top 24 uponworking surface 50. Fluid control valve assembly 60 includes a pair offluid control knobs 62 a, 62 b for controlling fluid flow to faucet 28or hose assembly 29, whichever may be attached. Fluid control knobs 62a, 62 b are connected to separate fluid inlet lines 64 a, 64 b,respectively, which may be coupled to different fluid sources such as acold water supply tank and a hot water supply tank (not shown) containedin recreational vehicle 12.

Storage container 26 has a generally cylindrical configuration in theembodiment shown including a bottom wall 70 and a side wall 71 as bestshown in FIG. 10. The top of storage container 26 is open; however, acover or lid (not shown) maybe provided. Storage container 26 alsocontains an aperture 72 in bottom wall 70 through which a fluid inletline 73 is inserted and extends longitudinally upward through the centerof storage container 26. Fluid inlet line 73 has an inlet fitting 74 atone end located below bottom wall 70 of supply container 26 and anoutlet fitting 75 at an opposite end thereof. A valve 76 can be attachedto the outlet fitting 75 to control fluid flow through the system. Inone embodiment, the valve 76 is a quick connect coupling and stoppervalve; however, any of various fluid control valves well known in theart can also be employed. In the preferred version, fluid inlet line 73is a PVC-type tube, but it should be appreciated that any type ofsuitable tubing may be used. A supply line 77 is connected between inletfitting 74 on the fluid inlet line and the fluid control valve assembly60.

With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, faucet 28 and hose assembly 29 areshown in greater detail. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, faucet 28 includesa nozzle 80 for dispensing fluid and a male quick connect coupling 82for connecting to valve 76, which in the embodiment shown has a femalequick connect coupling. Hose assembly 29 includes a hose 84 with a malequick connect coupling 86 in the embodiment shown that is alsoconnectable to the female quick connect coupling of valve 76. Hoseassembly 29 also includes a flow controlling nozzle 88 at the other endof hose 84 opposite of quick connect coupling 86. Hose assembly 29 isshown pre-coiled as an illustration of an embodiment that is well suitedfor storage in storage container 26; however, there is no intent tolimit the invention to such a pre-coiled hose. Furthermore, otherfeatures of faucet 28 and hose assembly 29 including the nozzle andcouplings are shown for the purpose of illustration only and notintended to limit the invention.

It should be appreciated as mentioned above, that when assembled, sinkassembly 10 may be mounted through the side wall of a recreationalvehicle. The unit may be mounted through an opening in the side wall,with fasteners (not shown) such as bolts or screws to hold the assemblyin place. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sink assembly is shownmounted to side wall 14 of recreational vehicle 12 through aperture 16.It should be appreciated that aperture 16 is cut through side wall 14such that it is wider than sink top 24, but smaller than the profile ofmounting flange 32. Fasteners (not shown) are inserted through holes 38in mounting flange 32 to retain sink assembly 10 in place in sidewall14. It should also be appreciated that fluid inlet lines 64 a, 64 b areconnected to the plumbing system (not shown) of the vehicle throughcorresponding fittings (not shown) to supply fluid pressure to fluidcontrol valve assembly 60. As discussed above, fluid inlet lines 64 a,64 b may be connected to respective hot and cold water tanks, or may beconnected to shore water supply lines (not shown).

Also, as discussed above, door 22 is connected to mounting frame 20 withhinged connection 48 so that the door may be swung down and pivot aboutits lower end 44. In the embodiment shown for illustrative purposesonly, sink 24 is attached to door 22 by using an adhesive or fasteners(not shown) to mount frontal extension 53 of sink top 24 to the door(FIG. 10). Storage container 26 is mounted to circumferential flange 57of sink top 24 using an adhesive or fasteners (not shown) so that it isaccessible through opening 54 in the sink top. It should also beappreciated that faucet 28 and hose assembly 29 may be stored in storagecontainer 26 when the sink assembly is in the stowed position as shownin FIGS. 1 and 6.

In operation, sink assembly 10 may be moved between the stowed positionas shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, wherein door 22 is substantially parallel tosidewall 14 to an operational position as shown in FIGS. 2–5, 7, and 10,wherein the door is swung down about hinged connection 48 so that it isat an angle to sidewall 14. In the stowed position, sink top 24 iscontained within recreational vehicle 12 at an inclined orientation andmay be locked in position with locking latch 46, which may be rotated tocatch upon sealing flange 36 of frame 20. It should be appreciated thata sealing member (not shown) such as a foam strip or other resilientmember may be attached to the periphery of either one or both innersurface 42 of door 22 or the exterior side of sealing flange 36 toprovide a sealing engagement between the door and sealing flange whenthe assembly is in the stowed and locked position.

When it is desired to use sink assembly 10, locking latch 46 may berotated so that it no longer engages sealing flange 36, and door 22swung down to the operational position. In the embodiment shown, forillustration purposes only, sink top 24 is stopped in the operationalposition by backstop 52 contacting the back of sealing flange 36. Theweight of the assembly will maintain it in the operational position;however, it should be appreciated, that the backstop may be secured tothe sealing flange during use by using magnetic strips (not shown), snaplocks (not shown) or other known mechanisms for providing a releasableengagement.

When the sink assembly 10 is in the operational position, a plumbingapparatus, either faucet 28 or hose assembly 29, is selected for use,and the respective quick connect coupling 82 or 86 is attached to thequick connect coupling on valve 76. The remaining apparatus can continueto be stored in the storage container 26 while the other is being used.When either one or both of fluid control knobs 62 a, 62 b are activated,water can be dispensed from the attached plumbing apparatus. Sink bowl51 provides a catch for dispensed water, which will be discarded throughdrain 55 and fluid outlet line 56. It should also be appreciated thatvalve 76 on outlet fitting 75 precludes accidental fluid flow in theevent fluid control knobs 62 a or 62 b are activated before a plumbingapparatus is attached to the quick connect coupling. Accordingly, sinkassembly 10 provides an easy, convenient access to water and a sink fromthe exterior of the recreational vehicle 12.

While the invention has been taught with specific reference to the aboveembodiment, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes can bemade in form and detailed without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention. For example, although sink assembly 10 swings out fromthe stowed position to the operational position in the above embodiment,it would also be possible to have the sink top mounted on a slide outmechanism. In addition, the sink top could be mounted with a hingedconnection directly to the frame as opposed to mounting it to door 22,which is mounted with the hinged connection.

Sink assembly 10 may also be stopped at the operational position withmechanisms other than backstop 52. For example, a cables, chains, orpivoting and/or folding arms may be attached between door 22 and frame20, or an arcuate arm with a stop at one end may be used to secure thesink assembly in the operational position. Other known latches or locksmay also be used to secure the sink assembly in the stowed position.

With reference now to FIGS. 11–15, an alternate embodiment stowable sinkassembly is shown generally indicated as 110. Stowable sink assembly 110is designed for use on the exterior of recreational vehicle 12, andincludes a mounting frame generally indicated as 120, a door 122, a sinktop generally indicated as 124, and a storage container generallyindicated as 126.

Mounting frame 120 includes a rectangular portion generally indicated as130 having side members 132 a, 132 b that are located beneath andsupport sides of sink top 124. A front member 134 of rectangular portion130 connects side members 132 a, 132 b at the front of mounting frame120 and can be used as a towel rack for hanging towels (not shown). Arear member 135 forms the back of rectangular portion 130. Rear member135 includes a pair of mounting pins 135 a (FIG. 15) extending from theends thereof to pivotally mount sink assembly 110 to recreationalvehicle 12. Extending from rectangular portion 130 of mounting frame 120are leg members 136 a, 136 b and a cross member 137. Sink mounting frame120 also includes a pair of storage container support members 138 a, 138b having a generally U-shape configuration and attached to respectiveside members 132 a, 132 b. Mounting frame 120 may be manufactured fromtubular, rectangular, solid, channel, or other known structural membersfrom a metal or other suitably rigid material. The frame members may bewelded, bolted, adhered or otherwise attached in a known manner.

Door 122 covers an opening 139 in side wall 14 of recreational vehicle12 and includes an outer surface 140, an inner surface 142, and upperend 143, and a lower end 144. Door 122 also includes a pair of lockinglatches 146 for locking the door in a stowed position as shown in FIGS.11 and 15, and a hinged connection 148 to attach the door to and allowpivotal movement relative to side wall 14 of recreational vehicle 12.

Sink top 124 includes a generally planar surface 150, a sink bowl 151extending into the working surface, a recessed area 152 adjacent sinkbowl 151, and support flanges 153 a, 153 b. Sink bowl 151 contains adrain opening 155 at the bottom thereof and a fluid outlet line 156,which may be connected to a drain or gray tank (not shown) fordiscarding used fluid.

Mounted in an aperture 159 in side wall 14 of recreational vehicle 12,sink assembly 110 also includes a water hookup generally indicated as160. Water hookup 160 includes a housing 161, a pair of fluid controlknobs 162 a, 162 b for controlling fluid flow and temperature to a fluidinlet fitting 164. The fluid inlet fitting 164 may be coupled to a coldwater supply tank and a hot water supply tank (not shown) contained inrecreational vehicle 12. Hingeably connected to housing 161, is anaccess door 166 having a locking latch 167 to cover and protect thefluid control knobs and fluid inlet fitting when not in use.

Storage container 126 has a generally cylindrical configuration in theembodiment shown and includes a bottom wall 170, a side wall 171 and acover 172. Cover 172 includes a locking latch 173 for removably latchingcover 172 to side wall 171. Cover 172 may be completely removable orhingeably connected to the storage container. It should also beappreciated that bottom wall 170 may also include a removable orhingeably connected cover for providing access to store plumbingapparatuses in the hollow cylinder portion.

Sink assembly 110 also includes a pair of mounting brackets 180 a, 180 battached to side wall 14 of recreational vehicle 12. Stops 182 a, 182 bmay be mounted on the brackets to secure the mounting frame in thestowed position. Sink assembly 110 may also include a moveable brace 184that can be mounted in a bracket 186 as shown in FIG. 12 for supportingsink top 124 in the operational position.

Regarding the operation and use of sink assembly 110, the assembly isshown in the stowed or travel position in FIGS. 11 and 15. In the stowedposition, sink top 124 is oriented in a generally vertical position withthe front portion of the sink top and front frame member 134 adjacentthe bottom of aperture 159 and side wall 14. The sink is held firmly inthe stowed position by locking latches 146 on door 122 and stops 182 a,182 b. Door 122 prevents sink top 124 from moving or swing forward inthe stowed position, and stops 182 prevent further pivotal backwardmovement of the sink top by bearing against leg members 136 a, 136 b.Also in the stowed position, access door 166 can be secured usinglocking latch 167 to protect fluid inlet fitting 164 and fluid controlknobs 162 a, 162 b.

When vehicle 12 is stopped and it is desired to use sink assembly 110,access doors 122 and 166 may be opened to expose the sink top and waterhookup as shown in FIG. 14. From this position, the front portion ofsink top 22 is pivoted or swung up to the position shown in FIGS. 12 and13. Sink top 22 pivots about pins 135 a and 135 b which are rotatinglyinserted in respective mounting brackets 180 a, 180 b. When sink top 124is in the operational or generally horizontal position shown in FIGS. 12and 13, a brace such as 184 may be inserted into bracket 186 to firmlysecure the sink. In the embodiment shown, the top of brace 184 supportsfront frame member 134. It should be appreciated that the sink assemblymay also be used without the brace, and instead a detent or lockingmechanism (not shown) may be used to hold mounting frame 120 in theoperational position. Furthermore, mounting frame 120 could be extendedto allow angular braces between generally rectangular portion 130 andthe leg members.

To supply water for use with sink assembly 110, faucet 28 or hoseassembly 29, as shown for use with sink assembly 10, may also be usedwith sink assembly 110. In addition, the plumbing apparatus disclosed inU.S. Application Ser. No. 60/556,159, filed on Mar. 25, 2004 to the sameApplicant, and which is incorporated herein by reference, may also beused with the present invention.

When it is desired to store the sink for travel, disassembly may be donein the reverse manner of assembling the sink for use as discussed above,and the plumbing apparatuses can be stored in storage container 126.

Also, although the sink assembly has been shown on a type ofrecreational vehicle that is commonly referred to as a motor home, itmay also be used on any other known type of recreational vehicles suchas trailers, fifth wheels, or pop up campers. The invention may also beused on other types of vehicles such as boats or railroad cars or may bemounted on prefabricated homes. As such, the described embodiments areto be considered in all respects only as illustrative and notrestrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by thefollowing claims rather than by the description.

1. A sink assembly for use on a vehicle, the sink assembly comprising: amounting frame for mounting the sink assembly to the vehicle, saidmounting frame being pivotally attached to the vehicle; a door movablerelative to said mounting frame and covering an opening in the vehicle;a sink top having a sink bowl with a drain, said sink top moveablethrough the opening between a stowed position in the vehicle when not inuse or when the vehicle is traveling to an operational position for useof the sink assembly; and at least one attachable plumbing apparatusconnectable to a fluid source through a fitting mounted to the vehicleabove the opening.
 2. The sink assembly of claim 1, further including astorage container for storing said plumbing apparatus when not in use orwhen said sink top is in the stowed position.
 3. The sink assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the plumbing apparatus comprises at least one of afaucet or a hose assembly.
 4. The sink assembly of claim 3, furtherincluding a valve coupled to said fitting of said fluid inlet line, saidvalve operable between a first state enabling fluid flow and a secondstate inhibiting fluid flow.
 5. The sink assembly of claim 4, whereinsaid valve is a quick connect coupling and stopper valve.
 6. The sinkassembly of claim 5, wherein said plumbing apparatus has a fittingconnectable to said quick connect coupling.
 7. The sink assembly ofclaim 1, wherein said door is attached at the opening with a hingedconnection.
 8. The sink assembly of claim 7, wherein said hingedconnection is on a side of said door.
 9. The sink assembly of claim 1,wherein said sink top hangs in a generally vertical orientation whensaid sink assembly is in the stowed position.
 10. The sink assembly ofclaim 9, wherein a front portion of said sink top hangs below a backportion when in the stowed position, said front portion swinging up whensaid sink top is moved to the operational position.
 11. A sink assemblyfor use on a vehicle, the sink assembly comprising: a mounting frame formounting the sink assembly to the vehicle said mounting frame beingpivotally attached to the vehicle; a door moveable relative to saidmounting frame and covering an opening in the vehicle; a sink top havinga sink bowl with a drain, said sink top being movable through theopening between a stowed position in the vehicle when not in use or whenthe vehicle is traveling to an operational position for use of the sinkassembly, and said sink top having a front portion and a rear portion,said front portion hanging below said rear portion in the stowedposition, and said front portion swinging up to the operationalposition.
 12. The sink assembly of claim 11, further including a bracethat supports said front portion of said sink top when in theoperational position.
 13. The sink assembly of claim 11, furtherincluding a storage container for storing a plumbing apparatus when notin use.
 14. The sink assembly of claim 13, wherein said storagecontainer is located beneath said sink top.
 15. The sink assembly ofclaim 11, wherein said mounting frame includes members lying in a planesubstantially the same as a plane defined by said sink top, and othermembers lying in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane defined bysaid sink top.
 16. The sink assembly of claim 11, further including afitting mounted to the vehicle above the opening for attachment of aplumbing apparatus.
 17. A sink assembly for use on a vehicle having awater supply system, the sink assembly comprising: a mounting frame formounting the sink assembly to the vehicle, said mounting frame moveablymounted adjacent an opening in a side wall of the vehicle; a sink topmoveable between a stowed position wherein said sink top is locatedwithin the vehicle when not in use or for travel to an operationalposition wherein said sink top is located substantially on the exteriorof the vehicle; at least one plumbing apparatus connectable to the watersupply system for dispensing water and having a quick connect couplingto disconnect the plumbing apparatus when not in use; and a storagecontainer attached to and movable with said sink top for storing saidplumbing apparatus in when not being used.
 18. A sink assembly for useon a vehicle having a water supply system, the sink assembly comprising:a mounting frame for mounting the sink assembly to the vehicle, saidmounting frame moveably mounted adjacent an opening in a side wall ofthe vehicle; a sink top moveable between a stowed position wherein saidsink top is located within the vehicle when not in use or for travel toan operational position wherein said sink top is located substantiallyon the exterior of the vehicle, at least a portion of said sink topmoving through the opening in the sidewall of the vehicle as said sinktop moves between the stowed position and the operational position; atleast one plumbing apparatus connectable to the water supply system fordispensing water; and a storage container for storing said plumbingapparatus in when not being used.
 19. A sink assembly for use on avehicle having a water supply system, the sink assembly comprising: amounting frame for mounting the sink assembly to the vehicle, saidmounting frame moveably mounted adjacent an opening in a side wall ofthe vehicle; a sink top moveable between a stowed position wherein saidsink top is located within the vehicle when not in use or for travel toan operational position wherein said sink top is located substantiallyon the exterior of the vehicle and said sink top being in a generallyvertical orientation when in the stowed position and in a generallyhorizontal orientation in the operational position; at least oneplumbing apparatus connectable to the water supply system for dispensingwater; and a storage container for storing said plumbing apparatus inwhen not being used.
 20. The sink assembly of claim 19, wherein saidsink top has a front portion and a rear portion, and said front portionis lower than said rear portion when the sink assembly is in the stowedposition, and the front portion swings up to the operational position.